Belmond Hotel Cipriani, iconic Venetian property. Contact Bellini Club agent to book with VIP Benefits.
Located on quiet and dreamy Giudecca island in front of “oh so famous” Piazza San Marco. There are many reasons why Hotel Cipriani stands apart from all other luxury Venetian hotels. But the first and foremost what makes Belmond Hotel Cipriani truly iconic is its history which began in 1956.
At that time Giuseppe Cirpiani, famous for being a founder of Harry’s Bar and inventor of Bellini cocktail, came to the idea of Venetian retreat for jet-setting travellers which would provide atmosphere of refine and elegant privacy. Financial backing for his idea came from three Guinness sisters, friends of Giuseppe, regular patrons of Harry’s Bar and part of the influential Guinness brewing family.
Thanks to unique location and support of glamorous Guinness sisters who were in jet-setting crowd like fish in the water, Hotel Cipriani project has been a tremendous success since the moment it opened its doors in 1958 and forever, welcoming the most refine crowd of artists, aristocrats and celebrities.
In 1976, Hotel Cipriani became part of the Orient-Express Hotels (later re-branded as Belmond), further cementing its place in the world of top-end international hospitality.
Unique location on the tranquil Giudecca island made it possible to create not just another Venetian luxury hotel but beautiful resort with enchanting gardens, Olympic size sea water swimming pool (the biggest in Venice), waterfront terraces and stunning spaces for the events. And all that is just 5 minuted boat ride from Piazza San Marco. Boat rides in both directions are offered by hotel by guests’ request and on complimentary bases.
You should not be surprised that iconic hotel uses for its shuttle service iconic wooden motorboats made by the renowned Italian manufacturer Riva. And of the staff… People who work at iconic hotel also should be iconic and special, should not they?
Interior design of Belmond Hotel Cipriani is unmistakably Venetian and classic. For those who want it modern it may not be right place, but there is nothing tired or dated – just traditional, and true to one of the most captivating cities in the world. Museum-worthy antique furniture and art decorate every guest room while some rooms have unique features like frescoes and historical construction elements. Please not that all rooms and suites are unique and different from each other, so expert advice in regards of accommodation type to book would be very useful.
Refine heritage details are also found all over the charming hotels’ gardens with many romantic corners to enjoy, kitchen garden with herbs and vegetables (so popular in high-end hotels these days) and, imagine, even small vineyard!
Despite of all its authentic Venetian spirit, Belmond Hotel Cipriani is totally blended with modern world through contemporary touch found here and there, and as many historical hotels in Italy do, Cipriani often hosts cutting-edge art exhibitions and temporary installations which make refreshing contrast with heritage canvas.
Food and beverage is a big part of Belmond Hotel Cipriani heritage and pride considering that it was originated by Bellini cocktail creator. Cip’s Club restaurant where chef Roberto Gatto serves up timeless Venetian classics updated with a playful, modern twist became through years as iconic (or even more) as Hotel Cipriani. Its overwater terrace overlooking the lagoon and panorama of the city is an essence of modern Venice extremely popular between Venetians and travellers alike.
When I’m in Cipriani (and I happened to stay there quite few times), I’m always curving time for a stroll of the Giudecca Island, dreamy, peaceful, never crowded, and so different from overpopulated Piazza San Marco which is just 5 minutes away. In Giudecca, you still see kids playing football on little squares, old ladies having coffee and chat over unsteady table of local bar, men with fishing-rods on the pier, washing hanged to dry on a line across tiny street. It is a slow life hardly expected in such proximity to hassle and bustle of touristic mecca.
Last but no least: iconic Bellini cocktail, which made Giuseppe Cipriani famous, also gave name to invitation only Belmond Preferred Partner program for selected travel agencies, and Renshaw Travel is a proud member of Bellini Club.
That means when you book Belmond Hotel Cipriani with me, you enjoy:
- VIP welcome treats with local taste with welcome letter from the General Manager
- $100 USD hotel/resort credit per room per stay
- Complimentary upgrade based on availability at time of check-in
- A $500 USD gift voucher when you book a $5,000 USD or more holiday with Belmond (please contact Julia for details)
- A-la-carte breakfast for 2 daily
